Contents

Description

Design

The Cavalcade a large but sportier SUV (in comparison to the Landstalker) obviously based on the second generation Cadillac Escalade (standard model — it lacks the extended wheelbase of the Escalade ESV). The Cavalcade comes in a variety of both body and rim colors, though it has one primary body style, and may also come with or without runningboards. The name Cavalcade means a procession or parade on horseback, and also sounds like a combination of the names "Cadillac" and "Escalade".

Performance

The Cavalcade is powered by a high-displacement V8, paired to a 5 speed gearbox in a 50% front, 50% rear AWD layout. It is capable of launching itself off the line quickly, and has a very reasonable top speed. Braking in the Cavalcade is very good for a vehicle of its size, however ABS is only available on some models. Wheelspin is minimal too, thanks to the excellent traction control system. The suspension is moderately firm, and will keep the Cavalcade well balanced through the bends, though some oversteer can be felt on longer turns. Crash deformation is also very good, as the Cavalcade holds its shape after multiple accidents, and the suspension seems to hold together better than other vehicles. The engine itself is very sturdy, and will not fail unless significantly damaged multiple times.

Off-road, the Cavalcade is also a stellar performer, with enough torque to climb medium to large-sloped hills and even some medium sized rocks. The AWD system helps keep the vehicle on the straight and narrow in even the worst terrain. With all-round independent suspension, the car often feels like it will roll over. However, if obstacles are tackled with reasonable speed, you would have to be very unlucky to roll a Cavalcade. It's worth noting that if the vehicle is intended for off-road use, especially over boulders, then the version with side steps should be avoided, as these will be damaged easily.

Overall, with its impressive top speed, sturdy design, 4 person carrying capacity, good acceleration, and ease of accesibility, this is one of the best vehicles in the game.

Variants

As independent models

The FIB Rancher in GTA Chinatown Wars bases itself on the game's Cavalcade, sharing the same vehicle body but sporting additional accessories.

With unique colors or accesories

In GTA IV, a dark red Spanish Lords Cavalcade with special gold rims, a roofrack/roofrail and stereo systems in the rear. These vehicles' stereos feature a noticeable increased bass effect due to the subwoofers. The Spanish Lords Cavalcades are mostly found around South Bohan, as well as Alderney City.

In GTA IV, a unique dark grey Cavalcade replaces the Esperanto used by Roman's taxi service once the player has unlocked the Algonquin Safehouse. However, the same driver will be driving it, and still will throw insults at Niko. However, unlike Roman's Taxi, there is no enhanced performance in this version.

In GTA IV, a unique black-tinted (the main color varies) Cavalcade with black rims is available during the mission "Deconstruction for Beginners". It is parked in an alley in Castle Gardens where Playboy X has left it with a supply of weapons. The player can drive this Cavalcade to a safehouse to store it, and still return to complete the mission.

In GTA IV, a similar black-tinted Cavalcade is the target of one of Stevie's Car Thefts; this Cavalcade has a unique green undercoat and dark green trims.

In The Ballad of Gay Tony, an alternate "cavalcade2" Cavalcade exists as a "Spanish Lords" Cavalcade with a black body color, black trims and black rims, with its trunk additionally opening slightly higher than its normal counterpart to accommodate its use as Armando Torres's gun van. This car is easily obtainable, as it is most often left in the street after the Drug Wars missions with Armando and Henrique; it can also be obtained by killing them both at the start of the mission "Corner Kids". It is implied during "Clocking Off" that more than one cavalcade2 are used to aid Armando's and Henrique's drug operations. Driving it will also trigger the game to spawn regular color variants as well.

A modified variant of the Cavalcade driven by the Spanish Lords, GTA IV.

Comparison of trunk door opening heights in TBOGT between a regular Cavalcade (left) and a cavalcade2 (right).

Trivia

Upon completion of all 30 of Stevie's Car Thefts in GTA IV, standard Cavalcades may be sold at his garage for $6,500. Roman's Cavalcades, if sold to Stevie in perfect condition with their original grey body color, will earn the player $20,500; if resprayed, their payout drops to the default $6,500.

Driving a cavalcade2 will oddly sometimes spawn one, with the Spanish Lord's colors and gold trim, but without any of the accessories. This version however is often driven by civilians or parked along the streets.